Whaam! The Art and Life of Roy Lichtenstein

by Susan Goldman Rubin

The life of the great Pop Art painter Roy Lichtenstein, illustrated with his most famous artworks.

 

In the newest of Abrams’ award-winning line of picture book biographies of artists, Susan Goldman Rubin evocatively explores Roy Lichtenstein’s work and life and his groundbreaking influence on the art world. In Roy’s long career as a teacher, artist, and innovator, he changed the way that people thought about art and how artists thought about their subjects, challenging people to see familiar sights with new eyes.

 

Classically trained in painting and drawing, Roy found inspiration from cartoons, newspaper comics, and children’s books—images most people didn’t consider “serious” art. He also chose to paint, in meticulous detail, the building blocks of painting—a single brushstroke or the back of a canvas—drawing attention to the way that artists use these tools. Roy and the other Pop Artists, including Andy Warhol, broke down the rules about what makes proper subjects for fine art. In over a thousand paintings and numerous other works, Roy brought familiar images into new light and captured the imagination of the world. The book includes a bibliography, an index, and a list of museums where you can see Lichtenstein’s work.

Genres: Art, Biography, Nonfiction, Childrens, Biography Memoir

48 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2008

About the author

Susan Goldman Rubin is the author of more than forty-five books for young people, including Andy Warhol: Pop Art Painter; The Yellow House: Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin Side by Side; and Edward Hopper: Painter of Light and Shadow. A long-time instructor in the UCLA Extension Writers Program, Susan Goldman Rubin lives in Malibu, California.

Reviews

[Ken K · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction for younger readers to the work of pop artist Roy Lichtenstein. The illustrations are well-chosen to supplement the story.

[Stefan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the only Roy Lichtenstein book available at my library and while it’s aimed at young readers, it’s still an informative read for anyone new to Roy’s work, giving us just enough of his past an story to understand his significance in the Pop Art world.

Art imitates art is the best way I can describe his comic book panel inspired paintings which pays homage to various comic book artists but it’s far from an exact copy, the works used as examples show his talent as an artist and the differences in composition and theme.

The book states he made over a thousand paintings and I’ve only see a minute fraction of it but what I’ve seen so far always leaves me inspired. A legend of the Pop Art style indeed.

[Laura Paulisich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learned so much and so inspiring❣️ iL❤️VE @susangoldmanrubin

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a stand-out art book. Bold and graphic with an attractive design and cover. The text was interesting (love the typewriter font!): the art and Lichtenstein's process are really the focal point here, not his personal life.

What impressed me most was that the book is very thoughtful - it was actually written and designed with kids in mind (for a change!). If you put this on display in the library, I can definitely see the kids who love comics checking it out. And for those who don't want to read the text, the reproductions alone are pure eye candy.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an informative and entertaining look into the life and evolving work of Roy Lichtenstein. One of my favorite parts was when Roy’s son David came home from school and described a classroom discussion about what their fathers did for a living. Young David complained that all the other fathers had interesting jobs “and you’re an artist and you can’t draw.” This moment of honesty from his son inspired Roy to forever change the direction of his art.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great kids' biography. Just enough details and interesting facts without being too overwhelming. I can't wait to share this one.

[Red · Rating 4 out of 5]

some painters are in a quest for beauty and truth and some even reach their goal

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable introduction to Lichtenstein's life and a comprehensive overview of his work.

[Christine Turner]

The life of the great Pop Art painter Roy Lichtenstein, illustrated with his most famous artworks.Susan Goldman Rubin evocatively explores Roy Lichtenstein's work and life and his groundbreaking influence on the art world.In Roy's long career as a teacher, artist and innovator, he changed the way that people thought about art and how artists thought about their subjects, challenging people to see familiar sights with new eyes.Classically trained in painting and drawing, Roy found inspiration from cartoons, newspaper comics and children's books--images most people didn't consider "serious" art.
He also chose to paint, in meticulous detail, the building blocks of painting, a single brushstroke or the back of a canvas; drawing attention to the way that artists use these tools.Roy and the other Pop Artists, including Andy Warhol, broke down the rules about what makes proper subjects for fine art. In over a thousand paintings and numerous other works, Roy brought familiar images into new light and captured the imagination of the world.The book includes a bibliography, an index, and a list of museums where you can see Lichtenstein's work.

Personal note: Given the length this book would not lend itself to a traditional storytime. However, it could work well for MFAH.

Description: 47 p.